How Do You Spell LOCKS UP?

Pronunciation: [lˈɒks ˈʌp] (IPA)

The verb "locks up" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /lɑks ʌp/. It is used to describe the action of securing or fastening something with a key or lock. The first part, "locks," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /ɑ/. This is followed by the consonant cluster "ks," represented by /ks/. The second part, "up," is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, represented by /ʌ/, followed by another consonant, represented by /p/.

LOCKS UP Meaning and Definition

1. The term "locks up" is a phrasal verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One of the definitions refers to physically securing or fastening something with a lock. In this sense, "locks up" implies the act of using a lock to close and secure a door, container, or object to prevent unauthorized access or theft. For instance, "She always locks up her bike before leaving it outside."

   However, "locks up" can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or events that become stuck, halted, or immobilized. In this context, it can imply a state of being trapped or powerless, often causing frustration or inconvenience. For example, "The computer system locked up suddenly, and I couldn't continue working until it restarted."

   Additionally, "locks up" can refer to a person or an animal becoming rigid or paralyzed due to fear, shock, or surprise. It signifies a temporary loss of movement or the inability to act. For instance, "Upon hearing the loud noise, the dog locked up, unable to move or bark."

   Overall, "locks up" has varying meanings including physically securing with a lock, becoming stuck or immobilized, or experiencing a temporary paralysis due to fear or surprise. The exact definition is determined by the specific context in which the term is used.

Common Misspellings for LOCKS UP

• lokc up
• lockes up
• kocks up
• pocks up
• oocks up
• licks up
• lkcks up
• llcks up
• lpcks up
• l0cks up
• l9cks up
• loxks up
• lovks up
• lofks up
• lodks up
• locjs up
• locms up
• locls up
• locos up
• locis up

Etymology of LOCKS UP

The phrase "locks up" is a combination of the word "lock" and the particle "up". The etymology of "lock" can be traced back to the Old English word "loccian", which means "to fasten with a lock" or "to enclose". "Lock" itself originates from the Proto-Germanic word "luka", meaning "to close" or "to shut". The particle "up" indicates the completion or finality of an action and has been used in various phrases such as "shut up", "drink up", or "eat up". Hence, when "lock" and "up" are combined, it conveys the action of securely closing or fastening something.

Similar spelling words for LOCKS UP

• lockup,
• Louis V,
• lock up,
• Louis Iv,
• louse up,
• Louis Xv,
• lookup,
• Louis Vi,
• LookWAYup,
• log up,
• look up.